Make your Career References Count

As a Career Consultant in the golf and turf industries, I often receive questions about Career References and their importance in this particular field of work. I compiled answers to the top questions we receive about References. Remember, the primary goal in conducting a job search is to set yourself apart, and References can play a key role in this effort.

Should I send References with my resume? Yes. We strongly recommend sending a reference list with your resume. The golf industry is known for being a tight knit community of turf professionals and being very well-connected. Superintendents have a strong network and if there is any chance the reader knows someone on your references list, it can be a huge help in getting your foot in the door.

Who should I include in my References? We recommend three to five listings. Think of your career from all aspects – agronomy and turf conditioning, leadership, financial management, staff management, budgeting, customer/member relations, facility contributions, renovations/construction. A reference list is not just a list of past supervisors. Select references who can speak to various aspects of your professional career. Your reference list may change depending upon the target audience. For example, if you are seeking a role in constructing a new golf course, you would want to ideally list someone who can directly authenticate your experience in renovations or construction, such as a contractor or architect etc. If your target audience is not interested in your construction background, you may choose to use other references instead. Remember your Reference list is strategic based upon what you think the reader is seeking.

What does a Reference list look like? It is typically an extra page at the end of a resume, with the same font and formatting as the resume. I recommend listing each reference along with their title, company, address, email, best phone number to reach them, and if necessary an explanation of how you worked with them.

I want to thank you for the help you gave me on my resume and sitting and talking with you at the GIS show. You and your team helped me get an interview with a great company. I had a response in 29 minutes because of that resume. It eventually, led to a great job offer. I start my new job next month. Thank you!
- Ben K., Golf Course Superintendent

Using Career Advantage was certainly an advantage for my career. I have used them for both new and revised resumes. I would have not gotten the new jobs without their help.
- Joel B.,Golf Course Superintendent

The services I received from Carol and Diane were second to none, the detail you put into my professional resume will undoubtedly catch any audience’s attention. Your knowledge of the industry as well as your perspective from the hiring side makes your work effective and to the point. I am extremely satisfied with what you both have been able to do with my resume and how this end product will help me market myself better moving forward.
- Sean M.,
Golf Course Superintendent

I was glad to find Carol through GCSAA, and get career help from people who understand the golf industry. My new resume is great and now I’m getting responses when I send in resumes to courses, and hope to have a Superintendent job soon.
- Justin B., Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

After completing my resume and LinkedIn page with Carol, I had my first job interview 48 hours later and started a new job the following Monday. I have since referred pretty much everyone I know to her including my own family.
- Tom M.,Marketing Executive